Further strengthening the emergence of Albany and New York State as global leaders in nanotechnology research, development and economic attraction, a world-class lineup of speakers featuring leading executives and companies highlighted the first-ever Convergence of International Research and Commercialization in Albany, or CIRCA '07, held May 21-23 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY and at CNSE's Albany NanoTech complex in Albany, NY.

AeA, the nation's largest high-tech trade association, and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany, ranked by Small Times magazine as the world's number one college for nanotechnology, partnered to present the conference, which focused on the development of common nanotechnology-enabled platforms that will drive innovation and spur commercial opportunities in a broad array of industries, including nanoelectronics, health care, energy, transportation and defense, among others.

More than 200 attendees at CIRCA '07 were given a firsthand look at the convergence of nanotechnology with electronics, photonics, bioelectronics, microsystems and wireless technologies - as well as the unique opportunities for partnership that it provides - to unlock the enormous market potential that exists in such diverse sectors as energy, biohealth, transportation, security and telecommunications.

Justin Wright, Executive Director, AeA New York Council, said, "CIRCA '07 presented a tremendous opportunity for our 2,500 member companies representing all segments of the high-tech industry. AeA recognizes that manufacturability and commercialization of nanotechnology are among the greatest challenges facing widespread implementation and commercial viability. AeA's strategic relationship with CNSE is providing unique capabilities and solutions to address these challenges as CIRCA '07 has demonstrated."

Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of CNSE, said, "The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to have partnered with AeA, the leading global technology trade organization, in presenting this timely and important event which once again showcases Albany and New York State as one of the world's premier locations for nanotechnology research, development and commercialization. Through this partnership, CIRCA '07 has provided a unique opportunity to formulate and refine strategies for shared development of cross-sector, university-driven technology platforms and to identify private-public business teaming opportunities around nanoscale manufacturing solutions that are common to the host of nanotechnology-enabled industries of the 21st century."

About UAlbany CNSEThe College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering of the University at Albany-State University of New York is the first college in the world dedicated to research, development, education, and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience and nanoeconomics. In May 2007, it was ranked as the world’s number one college for nanotechnology and microtechnology in the Annual College Ranking by Small Times magazine. CNSE’s Albany NanoTech complex is the most advanced research facility of its kind at any university in the world: a $3.5 billion, 450,000-square-foot complex that attracts corporate partners from around the world and offers students a one-of-a-kind academic experience. The UAlbany Nanocollege houses the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 65,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. Over 1,600 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, and faculty work on site at CNSE’s Albany NanoTech complex, including IBM, AMD, SONY, Toshiba, Qimonda, Honeywell, ASML, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, and Freescale. An expansion currently underway will expand the Albany NanoTech complex to over 750,000 square feet, including over 80,000 of Class 1 cleanroom space, to house over 2,000 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, and faculty by the end of 2008.

About AeA. AeA, founded in 1943, is a nationwide trade association that represents all segments of the technology industry and is dedicated solely to helping our members’ top line and bottom line. We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs. For more information, please visit http://www.aeanet.org/ny .